October 2010 E-News Brief

World Monuments Fund has awarded its 2010 World Monuments Fund/Knoll Modernism Prize to Bierman Henket Architecten and Wessel de Jonge Architecten for their exemplary restoration of the Zonnestraal Sanatorium (designed 1926-28; completed 1931), a little-known but iconic modern structure in Hilversum, the Netherlands.

Zonnestraal was conceived by Johannes Duiker (1890-1935), the leading spokesperson for the modern movement in the Netherlands; Bernard Bijvoet (1889-1979); and structural engineer Jan Gerko Wiebenga (1880–1974). Founded by the Diamond Workers Union of Amsterdam, the sanatorium was part of a larger aftercare colony for tubercular patients. It was funded by Union dues as a facility that would train members who had been afflicted with the disease for their return to society.

Zonnestraal is emblematic of the emerging ideals of social democracy in the Netherlands during the 1920s, and it reflected the new concept of using occupational therapy in health care.

DOCOMOMO US President Theodore Prudon was a member of the jury for the prize.

For more information on the Zonnestraal and the WMF/Knoll Prize click here.

WELCOME HOUSTON MOD!

DOCOMOMO US WELCOMES: HOUSTON MOD AS FRIEND ORGANIZATION

DOCOMOMO US extends a warm welcome to our first Friend Organization, Houston Mod, a non-profit organization "...dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas." Established in 2003, Houston Mod is a highly effective advocate for the preservation of endangered architecture in the greater Houston region. They speak out often in favor of preserving their community's modern heritage and also offer an ongoing series of tours, lectures, and exhibits to increase awareness of the rich and extended heritage of modern architecture and design in south Texas.

As members of a DOCOMOMO US Friend Organization, Houston Mod members may opt to also join DOCOMOMO US at favorable rates. And DOCOMOMO US members in south Texas may become members of Houston Mod and enjoy their local activities as a benefit of their DOCOMOMO US memberships. By such cross-pollination, DOCOMOMO US looks forward to increased collaborative efforts in preservation and public education.

Indeed, such collaboration is already underway. Houston Mod participated in the recent DOCOMOMO US National Tour Day, conducting two tours that drew over 200 participants. Future joint efforts include establishing a Texas Mod Month in April 2011, with coordinated activities among Houston Mod and the North Texas and Central Texas chapters of DOCOMOMO US.

Welcome, Houston Mod!

UPCOMING LECTURE: THE ARCHITECTURE OF HARRY WEESE

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts has announced a free lecture celebrating the release of The Architecture of Harry Weese, a new book by Robert Bruegmann and Kathleen Murphy Skolnik. The public is invited to experience the architecture of Harry Weese firsthand by joining Bruegmann for a lecture on the architect's legacy in one of his most important buildings, the Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago. Built in 1968, the church is a consummate example of the architect's pioneering style and his significant contributions to Chicago's architectural history.